The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is recognizing 16 additional magisterial districts in 3 provinces in the Republic of South Africa as pest-free areas for citrus black spot. Based on APHIS’ site visit to the area and review of the documentation submitted by South Africa’s national plant protection organization, which was made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, the administrator has determined that those districts meet the criteria in APHIS regulations for recognition as pest-free areas for citrus black spot.

This action was published in the Feb. 9 Federal Register and became effective upon publication.

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